Over the weekend, “international rock ‘n’ rolling motivational speaking TV entertaining nightclub owner” and avid party starter Andrew W.K. announced that he’d been tapped by the U.S. State Department to serve as cultural ambassador to the Middle East. The singer announced the news on his website:

Andrew says: “This is a tremendous invitation. I’m very thankful to the Department of State for giving me the opportunity to visit a place I’ve never been before. And I feel very privileged and humbled by the chance to represent the United States of America and show the good people of Bahrain the power of positive partying. I can hardly wait for this adventure!”

For the record, the State Department insists that Andrew W.K. had not been selected for the trip to serve in any diplomatic capacity, but only to participate in a “cultural speakers program.” That program has been canceled.

As you’d expect, the fans are extremely disappointed:

@andrewwk that’s ridiculous! What’s inappropriate is the State Department reneging